BISHOP T. D. JAKES 2025 INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT ADVANCE NATIONAL COVERAGE: Cleveland, Ohio author Dr. Michael Copeland on his compelling book series: ‘If we don’t pour into our youth, who will?’
Andre Johnson 
I returned and saw under the sun that The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all. (Ecclesiastes 9:11/NIV)
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Much to his delight, Dr. Michael Copeland’s defining moment as a rising author unfolded sometime last summer.
“The vision came to me in the summer of 2023 as I embarked on a transformative health and weight loss journey,” Dr. Copeland, a Cleveland, Ohio-based writer, told Making Headline News as part of its national media coverage ahead of Bishop T. D. Jakes’ 2025 International Leadership Summit April 10-12 from Orlando, Florida. “That journey wasn’t just about physical change — it was a spiritual awakening. God revealed to me that my story wasn’t just mine to keep. It was meant to inspire, uplift, and guide others who have walked through pain, struggle, and moments of self-doubt.”
To his distinctly unique credit, Dr. Copeland has gone to great lengths to accomplish such feats by way of The Journey Of One Determined Educator and The Journey of One Determined Educator Part 2: Surviving The Trenches, his highly-anticipated series that has set off a fervent buzz across various message boards and social media platforms.
Accompanied by 57 pages, Dr. Copeland’s The Journey Of One Determined Educator vividly enlightens his readers that as they turn the pages of this intriguingly fascinating read, they will subsequently envisage the characters not as figments of imagination but as echoes of real people navigating the complexities of an educational odyssey, according to detailed breakdown of this author’s book via Amazon.com.
BUY DR. COPELAND’S BOOKS: https://books.by/dr-copelands-books
“Join James Turner and his ensemble as they confront adversity, celebrate triumphs, and strive to redefine the narrative of education,” said an Amazon spokesperson for Dr. Copeland’s The Journey Of One Determined Educator. “May this preface serve as an invitation into a world where the characters are not confined to pages but resonate in the collective journey of educators, students, and advocates who dare to dream of a brighter, more equitable future through the transformative power of education.
“The odyssey awaits, and the characters beckon you to witness the unfolding chronicle of resilience and education.”
In a nutshell, Dr. Copeland emphasized, among other things, he felt greatly inspired to compose The Journey Of One Determined Educator in large part because “I saw a need.”
And not just some ordinary need, mind you.
“A need for transparency. A need for resilience. A need for hope,” Dr. Copeland said. “Too often, educators, mentors, and leaders pour into others but suffer in silence. I wanted to break that cycle by sharing my truth — my struggles with mental health, my battle to overcome adversity, and my journey from despair to destiny. My story is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the power of mentorship.”
After completing the first of his two-book series in April 2024, Dr. Copeland wasted little time doing the legwork for The Journey of One Determined Educator Part 2: Surviving The Trenches, an informative written work he needed somewhere in the neighborhood of six months to assemble.
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A book that is comprised of 138 pages, Dr. Copeland’s The Journey of One Determined Educator Part 2: Surviving The Trenches reminds his audience that as educators, they don’t simply teach subjects. Rather, “we nurture futures,” according to an in-depth overview via BarnesAndNoble.com.
“We are more than instructors standing at the front of a classroom,” Dr. Copeland writes via BarnesAndNoble.com. “We are mentors, counselors, advocates, and, at times, the only source of stability for children who are navigating their own challenging realities. The struggles we face in urban schools are unique, multifaceted, and often overwhelming. Yet, it is in these trenches, amid the chaos and complexity, that we find our true purpose.”
Moreover, Dr. Copeland acknowledges that urban education is not just about academics.
“It is about community,” Dr. Copeland said. “It’s about understanding the cultural, social, and economic dynamics that shape our students’ lives and finding ways to empower them despite systemic barriers. The work is hard. It requires a deep well of resilience, a commitment to equity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child.”
As for the divine message he’s aiming to send to his reading audience through his compelling book series, Dr. Copeland said:
“The message is simple yet powerful: You were created for more. No matter what challenges life throws your way — mental health struggles, professional setbacks, personal losses — your story is not over. God can turn your pain into purpose. My journey from being a suicide survivor to standing on stages as an author, educator, and speaker is proof that resilience, faith, and mentorship can change lives.”
Since the ceremonious release of his book series, Dr. Copeland describes the feedback as “overwhelming.”
“Educators have told me that my story reflects their own struggles and inspires them to keep going,” Dr. Copeland told MHN. “Parents have reached out, saying my words gave them hope for their children’s futures. Young men who never had strong male figures in their lives have shared how this book has given them guidance. This book isn’t just pages — it’s a movement, a voice for those who have felt unheard.”
VISION FOCUSED
An additional book, Dr. Copeland said, is on the horizon.
“I am currently working on Less Violence, More Mentoring, an anthology featuring 14 black authors dedicated to youth mentorship,” Dr. Copeland said. “It will serve as a blueprint for communities looking to foster meaningful, transformative relationships with young people. God has called me to be a vessel — an educator, a mentor, and a bridge for those who feel lost. This book is the physical manifestation of that calling. It allows me to reach beyond the four walls of a classroom and into the hearts and minds of those who need a reminder that they, too, can rise above their circumstances.’
Continued Dr. Copeland, a native of Cleveland:
“This book is just the beginning. It’s a call to action for educators, mentors, parents, and community leaders to step up and invest in the next generation. If we don’t pour into our youth, who will?”
BUY DR. COPELAND’S BOOKS: https://books.by/dr-copelands-books
For more information about Cleveland, Ohio Author, Dr. Michael Copeland, to order his books, schedule him for a public appearance, or speaking engagement, connect with him via Facebook under The Journey of One Determined Educator; Instagram: @thedeterminededucator; Website: www.copelandconsultsllc.org. Send email to [email protected].
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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.
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